Barry Oliver was our chairperson for today's club meeting at Cilantro. Margaret Lucas performed invocation and the toast to Rotary and Australia. Guests included Bert d'Unienville, Gary Ramage, and our guest speaker, Bryce Alman.
PRESIDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS - President Tim Lynch
- Tim reminded everyone next week's meeting on Wednesday 11/12 will be the last meeting for 2024 and promises to be a morning of fun and enjoyment for everyone - and wait for it - but we might even get a visit from Father Christmas. Everyone is welcome of course with partners and guests - but please register for the event.
- Our club's end of year celebration is Sunday 15 December at Sandringham Yacht Club - and all efforts are being made to make this year's event memorable for everyone, starting with drinks overlooking the bay. Sounds very enticing. Please register your intention to attend, including partners.
- End-of-year events are being held at local secondary colleges where our club will be represented by members of the Youth Committee for presenting some of the awards.
- Tim welcomed Glenda back after her long sojourn up north - though was still able to maintain contact with club meetings via zoom.
- Tim had the sad news of advising of the passing of Larry's mother last week. Our condolences are passed onto Larry and his family.
GUEST SPEAKER - Bryce Alman - Paralympian and Businessman - Living with quadriplegia
Bryce provided an account of his life after having become a quadriplegic, when as a typical 19-year-old enjoying life with his mates when he dived off the coast at Philip Island into water that was not deep and hit a submerged sandbar. The accident happened in 1996, and from that time, he has adjusted to living life as a quadriplegic without the use of his legs, and partial use of his arms. He credits his attitude and the support of his parents, family and friends that sustained him to lead a life of independence. After 5 months of rehab he attended Monash Uni to study for his Commerce Degree. Whilst studying he became involved with wheelchair rugby and a team called the Steelers. Following university, he moved into the wheelchair industry designing and making wheelchairs for sportspeople. Rugby and the manufacture and distribution of wheelchairs have been the fabric of his life to this day with distribution now worldwide. Bryce enjoyed a rugby career for 11 years with the Australian Steelers representing Australia in the Paralympics in Australia 2000, Athens 2004, and Beijing 2008, and where they were Silver medalists in 2000 and 2008. Bryce retired from the team at 34 to focus on his family and business. Since then, he commenced two further businesses relating to wheelchairs working on ways to improve their design and application, enabling sportspeople to participate in other sports. Bryce continues to have an interest and be involved with the Australian Rugby team, attending national events and maintaining contact.
Bryce finished by touching on the challenges experienced by people conducting their lives from wheelchairs, and commented the standards overseas fall far short of the standards in Australia, adding NDIS has revolutionised the lives of people living with a disability. Bryce is an inspiration for anyone facing challenges for whatever they may be. His attitude and positivity are engaging, and he mentioned the discipline he learned in sport to be a top sportsperson are the principles he now applies to his life and work. Thank you, Bryce, for your wonderful presentation.
OTHER BUSINESS
- End of year celebration 15/12 - Sandringham Yacht Club. Attendees can arrive at 5pm for drinks from the members bar. Linda will issue an email with details.
- Bentleigh Market umbrella - a new umbrella has been purchased for the market. The old market umbrella is available for anyone wishing to take it - please contact Helen N.
- Club meeting and events registration - club members are requested to register their attendance for all future club meetings and events via the events section on the club website. Please follow up with Ian if having any issues with using the registration process.
